Gin and tonic (G&T) is a timeless classic highball cocktail. For some, it can hardly be considered a cocktail. Not enough mixology guff to qualify, but who are we to judge either way, really? A great G&T can soothe any moment with its refreshing simplicity. Achieving perfection, however, like anything in life, requires a little finesse. Follow these steps to craft the ultimate Gin and tonic tailored to your taste, or don't. It's your G&T, after all.

Oh, and if you are in a rush and want to avoid reading our scribblings on the humble G&T, you can find a quick guide at the bottom of this page.

Start with the right gin

Your choice of Gin sets the foundation. Time to consider the flavour profile you enjoy. Consider your palate. Do you crave the bright zing of citrus, the delicate aroma of floral notes, or the warmth of spicy undertones? Select a gin that resonates with your unique taste preferences for a more enjoyable experience. Of course, we would always recommend one of our Devon Gins, such as Copper Frog Gin, but we are not pushy.

All we ask is that you swerve away from the lower-quality stuff. Drink less, drink better, and all that. Always opt for high-quality gins, especially artisan or small-batch varieties. These often feature well-balanced botanicals that create a complex and satisfying base for your G&T. You are on the Good Natured Spirits website, so you are already in the right place, even if we say so ourselves.

Pick a premium tonic water

The tonic you choose is just as crucial as the Gin. In the recipe we prefer, it's 3/4 of the drink, so we take our tonic seriously. Opt for single-serve cans. Nothing beats the effervescent of a freshly cracked can. Large bottles will only disappoint you in the end. The recipe is one 150ml can of tonic to a double measure of Gin. How easy is that to remember. Even if it's not your first G&T of the evening.

Copper Frog Gin & Tonic in all its glory.

Ice, ice, baby

Good ice makes all the difference. Fresh, Clear Ice is the key here. Got a sad sack of open ice covered in frost? Smelling of peas and last month's cauliflower curry? It might be time to invest in a new bag of ice. These unwanted smells that have tainted your sad ice will spoil the masterpiece that is your upcoming Gin and tonic.

Aim to use large, clear ice cubes to keep your drink chilled without diluting it too quickly. Pack your glass with ice. No need to revisit our chemistry lessons, but the more ice, the less dilution. We are aiming to have ice left over. All the better for clinking against your glass to announce to your party it's time for another.

Choose the perfect glass

Presentation and practicality go hand in hand. The glassware of choice? A classic highball or a Copa de Balon (balloon glass) is ideal. The wide bowl of a Copa glass helps capture the Gin's aromas and keeps your drink cooler longer. It also makes you look cool AF when you are by a body of water and the sun is shining.

Garnish thoughtfully

Garnishes aren't just for looks; they can enhance your G&T's flavour. Love a particular botanical in your Gin? Try matching your garnish to the Gin's primary flavours. Freshly peeled lemon for citrus-forward gins, cucumber for herbal ones, or a sprig of rosemary for earthy varieties.

Looking to be more adventurous? Try edible flowers, pink peppercorns, seasonal fruits, or even dehydrated citrus slices for an elevated touch.

Chill everything

Now we are getting really geeky. Serve your G&T ice-cold for maximum refreshment by doing a little advanced prep. Stuff that bottle of Gin in the freezer to get it icy cold (don't worry, it won't freeze because of the alcohol content), place the tonic water in the fridge well in advance, and to really push things put that glassware in the freezer too to keep everything frosty.

Experiment and enjoy

At the end of the day, the best Gin and tonic is the one you love. Who cares how you enjoy it. We are not judging you. Elevate your gin and tonic game to new heights with these tips. So gather your ingredients, experiment, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a perfectly crafted G&T. Cheers!

Quick step-by-step guide to the perfect Gin and Tonic

• Choose a quality gin. Opt for a high-quality, artisan gin with a flavour profile you love - citrus, floral, or spicy.

• Pick premium tonic water. Use single-serve cans for maximum freshness. The ratio? Three parts tonic to one part gin. (150ml can of tonic and a double measure of Gin.)

• Prepare fresh ice. Use large, clear ice cubes to keep your drink cold and prevent quick dilution. Avoid ice that's absorbed freezer odours.

• Select the right glass. A Copa glass or highball works best for capturing aromas and keeping your drink cool.

• Add a thoughtful garnish. Match the garnish to the Gin's botanicals (e.g., lemon, cucumber, rosemary) or experiment with edible flowers and seasonal fruits.

• Chill everything! Pre-chill the Gin, tonic, and glassware for an ice-cold experience.

• Mix and enjoy. Combine Gin, tonic, and garnish, then sip and savour. Adjust proportions to your liking—no judgment here!